The Oboe Concerto is composed in a single movement and has a duration of roughly 17 minutes.
Higdon described the composition of the piece in the score program notes, writing:This "Oboe Concerto" gives the instrument a chance to highlight its extraordinary lyrical gift.
The beauty of the soaring line intrigued me as a starting point, and then the realization that the oboe makes a great partner for duets within an orchestral texture, sent me in the direction of creating interactions with other instruments in the supporting ensemble.She added, "I have always thought of the oboe as being a most majestic instrument, and it was a pleasure to be able to create a work that would highlight its beauty and grace.
He added:[Higdon's] Oboe Concerto shares the shimmering beauty and rhythmic playfulness of many of her other works.
[2]Higdon herself has regarded the piece as one of her favorites among her own works, alongside blue cathedral and her Concerto for Orchestra.